2-Minute presentation Tips: How to practice your presentations
Inspired by a client who has a hard time getting herself to practice, I’m sharing my top 3 tips for practicing your presentation: how to get motivated how to make it quick, and how to note improvements.
2-Minute Tips Back-to-school edition - how speaking up can improve your college (and post-college) life
Most of my college students are engaged in class. A few refuse to participate. No matter which category you fall into, here’s some free advice about why you should talk to everyone in your college life - and how it will help you in the long- and short-term.
2-Minute Tips for Wedding Season: Should I Drink Before My Best Man or Maid of Honor Toast?
So you’re the best man. Or maid of honor. Or the person of honor. Or father of the bride…anyway. You’ve gotta make a toast at a wedding. And if you’re wondering, “Is it okay if I [do a shot/drink a few beers/take beta blockers] before I have to speak?” Listen up and learn.
2-Minute Tips for Women: Speak with Confidence!
The playing field for women in business still isn’t level. [I call BS.] I’m chipping away at the BS with these quick tips that will instantly strengthen your speech or presentation. Ditch the unconscious communication habits that can hold you back! #womenshistorymonth
2-Minute Tips: Pro Tips For Zoom
It’s past March, 2020, and yet I’m still seeing a lot of chopped-off heads and hearing a lot of noise on those Zoom calls. Just a few tiny adjustments to your camera or sound settings will make you come across crystal-clear on those video calls. Listen in, or click through to submit your own question!
2-Minute Tips: Drugs, Alcohol, and Public Speaking
For this month, I’m tackling a question I’ve been asked for decades but have never blogged about: “Is it okay if I [do a shot/drink a few beers/take beta blockers] before I have to speak?” You’re an adult. I won’t tell you what to do. But this may inform you.
2-Minute Tips: Pro Tips For Group Presentations and Panel Discussions
I was going to talk about freedom in presenting, but instead, a neglected topic: Group presentations! Including panels! And moderators! Too many panels are boring because no one prepared; too many group presentations fall flat. Don’t let this happen to you.
2-Minute Tips: Pro Tips For Fielding Questions
Many speakers feel anxiety about being asked questions. What if I don’t know the answer? What if someone keeps badgering me about something that isn’t my area? I’m spending the month of May answering questions about…questions! Listen in and submit your question!
2-Minute Tips: Public Speaking and Presenting No-nos!
I’m sharing some of my big Public Speaking and Presentation No-Nos. All of these have one thing in common: They are common tactics used by amateurs, and nervous speakers trying to delay their speech, or wade in gently.
2-Minute Tips: How to Write a Strong Call to Action
This month, inspired by listener Alyssa Burns, we’re talking about your CTA (“Call to Action.”) Too many speakers - and not just novices - leave out their ask. The assumption is, “If I talk about how great X is, they’ll want to [sign up/buy/donate/etc.]” This is not the case.
2-Minute Tips: How to Introduce Yourself (and Other People) Before a Speech
Too often, speakers put everything into their intro. Your aim is to whet the audience’s appetite for your topic; not bore them with a list of every accomplishment. Here’s the right way to write your speaker intro. Similarly, too many introducers don’t prepare. I have fixes for both.